Life in Rochester

Rochester, NY, a Mid-Sized City With Big Advantages.

Find yourself in New York State’s third-largest city and a place USA Today named one of the top 10 college towns among mid-sized metropolitan areas in 2010. As a Rochesterian, you’ll benefit from a low cost of living and high quality of life.

Rochester, A-Z Video Tour

There are so many reasons to visit the Greater Rochester and Finger Lakes Region. Visit www.visitrochester.com to learn more.

Local Attractions

Whether it's a hike in Letchworth Park, a drive through the Finger Lakes region, or your first trip to Niagara Falls, the beauty of Upsate New York is breath-taking.

Explore the Great Outdoors

Outdoor activities are a way of life in Rochester. Whether it's summer boating on Lake Ontario, biking the along the beautiful Genesee River, or enjoying the snow in one of the many surrounding ski centers, Rochesterians make the most of all four seasons.

Life in Rochester

Rochester, New York

Rochester, NY, a Mid-Sized City With Big Advantages.

Find yourself in New York State’s third-largest city and a place USA Today named one of the top 10 college towns among mid-sized metropolitan areas in 2010. As a Rochesterian, you’ll benefit from a low cost of living and high quality of life. In fact, U.S. News & World Report named Rochester No. 19 among the Best US Cities to Live for Quality of Life.

The Arts Abound

Explore more than 12,000 pieces at the University of Rochester's Memorial Art Gallery. The comprehensive permanent collection has been called the best balanced in the state outside of metropolitan New York City.

Amazing Rochester Cuisine

Many now-famous-eats are synonymous with our City. Dinosaur BBQ, founded in Upstate New York, is a classic must-have if you are craving great food and live music. The garbage plate is so unique you have to try one to truly understand it, and Zweigle's White Hots have been made in Rochester for more than 130 years.

College Town

College Town offers a variety of dining, entertainment, retail, and housing options within walking distance of Simon Business School. The district's vibrant and cosmopolitan atmosphere have made it popular with students, who enjoy College Town's year-round events including: free summer concert series, drive-in movie nights, food festivals, holiday festivities, and more.

Festivals Await You

With cultural events like the Xerox Rochester International Jazz Festival and our world-famous Lilac Festival, there's always something happening in the city. Treat your taste buds at the Roc City Rib Fest, catch a movie at the Rochester International Film Festival (the world's oldest continually held short film festival), or celebrate with Oktoberfest and Winterfest.

Important Figures in Rochester History

George Eastman, Susan B. Anthony, and Frederick Douglass all had a significant impact on the University of Rochester and the City of Rochester, NY.

Living in Rochester

Want to learn more about the Rochester area and what it has to offer? Download the "Living in Rochester" guide (PDF). You can also find out more at VisitRochester.

An Affordable City Surrounds You

MSN rated Rochester the No. 1 most livable bargain market in the US saying, "Rochester provides a lot of bang for your buck. It has big-city culture, a highly educated population, picturesque scenery, affordable housing, and an expanding high-tech job base." (July, 2011)

The Rochester Public Market

The Public Market is city-run and has been an icon since 1905. Fresh produce, florists, and local cafés treat visitors to an abundance of opportunities.

Accessible Sports Teams

The Rochester Red Wings play in the International League and are the Minnesota Twins' triple-A major league baseball affiliate, and the Rochester Americans (Amerks) play in the AHL and are an owned-and operated affiliate of the NHL Buffalo Sabres.

Rochester, New York - Home to the University of Rochester

Rochester, NY, with more than a million people living in the metropolitan area and surrounding suburbs, combines the entertainment and culture of a big city with the friendliness of a small town. With our world-renowned jazz and film festivals, professional sports events, independent theaters, museums, parks, one-of-a-kind restaurants, and boutiques, Rochester has something for everyone. Visit www.visitrochester.com to learn more.